Riverside Criminal Attorney

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Have you been accused of assault with a deadly weapon? If you have been accused of this or a similar offense related to assault and battery in the Riverside area, an attorney at our law offices can help. You have found yourself in a serious situation where you may be at risk of facing misdemeanor or felony charges and serious criminal penalties, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It is of the utmost importance that you do what you can to involve a criminal defense lawyer who can work to represent your interests and concerns.

Charges & Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Riverside, CA

Assault with a deadly weapon, often referred to as aggravated assault, is the crime of attempting or threatening bodily injury on another person, with the apparent or actual ability to carry this threat out. A deadly weapon may be considered to be a firearm, knife or other object that can cause severe bodily injury or death. In some cases, even a person's fist could be considered a deadly weapon.

For a defendant in Riverside, assault with a deadly weapon is considered a "wobbler." This means it may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the particular case. The prosecuting attorney will typically determine whether to charge the crime as a felony or misdemeanor based upon the unique circumstances surrounding the case. The type of weapon, whether the victim sustained injury and whether the victim is a peace officer will affect the specific charges.

For felony assault with a deadly weapon, a defendant may face 2 to 4 years in state prison along with a fine of up to $10,000, victim restitution and a "strike" on his or her criminal record. An increased term of imprisonment may apply if a semiautomatic weapon or other specific assault weapon was used in the commission of the offense.

Contact a Riverside Assault with a Deadly Weapon Attorney today to fight your charges.